Welcome to My Print Shop

The press in the photo is my pride and joy, an "F. Reem" intaglio press. I pulled my first print on it, while earning my degrees at Arkansas State University. Before it was purchased by ASU, it had survived the floods of Florence, Italy in the 60s. After a lengthy restoration, it now resides in my living room.

I have created this web page to give my students at East Tennessee State University a resource for gaining information about printmaking and also aesthetic insights into evaluating their work.

Through the years, I have found that there are some basic, recurring questions. I've assembled a sort of FAQ of printshop talk. These questions include such things as, how to make printmaking varnish, or what do I consider the best intaglio press? Other technical subjects may include such topics as, how do I build an aquatint box? I will accumulate as much information as I can find on these topics. Some of the facts will be based on personal experience and opinion. I do welcome corrections, if you feel I'm in error.

This is only a beginning effort. Hopefully these pages will get us started. I will be posting additional items from time to time, ranging form general fine art subjects, to subjects more specific to the print media. I will be discussing processes and also giving helpful studio tips. I will definitely publish more artwork, and may even assemble enough persons for a student blog: What is art? Why are we here? Ok, maybe these are too general. I'm sure you can think of some better ones. Take care, and keep exploring your innate creativity.

Webmaster: Ralph Slatton is Professor in charge of printmaking at East Tennessee State University, where he had also served as former Chair or Art and Design.